It’s only January, but Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) is predicting our most popular products of 2023.
- EMI/RFI conductive O-rings
- Flame-retardant nickel-graphite-filled silicones
- Aerospace silicones and fluorosilicones
Find out what’s driving demand for these products and learn how SSP can supply you with them.
EMI/RFI Conductive O-Rings
EMI/RFI conductive O-rings are donut-shaped gaskets that combine electrical conductivity and environmental sealing with protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Today, there are three trends that are driving increased demand for these gaskets.
- New and existing military applications such as radios, power supplies, LCD screens, avionics, and connectors need reliable sealing and proven levels of EMI shielding.
- Industrial automation such as robotics, electric vehicle (EV) battery housings, and audio/visual (A/V) technologies all need EMI/RFI conductive O-rings as well.
- Continuing advances in the 5G telecom infrastructure and WiFi modules mean that short, strong radio frequencies are producing higher-than-normal RF levels and require dependable shielding.
SSP’s EMI/RFI O-rings are addressing all of these challenges, and many of our materials are designed to meet MIL-DTL-83528 standards for elastomeric shielding gaskets. If you’d like to learn more, this previous article examines some applications and advantages. SSP supplied both molded and bonded EMI O-rings.
Flame-Retardant Nickel-Graphite Filled Silicones
SSP makes two nickel-graphite-filled silicones that combine EMI shielding, electrical conductivity, and environmental sealing with proven UL 94 V0 flame resistance. One of these products, SSP502-40V0, was developed when customers urgently needed a discontinued product from W.L. Gore.
Because SSP502-40V0 has a low durometer (40 Shore A) for a filled conductive material, it requires less enclosure force or pressure for sealing. This dependable material is available with a conductive pressure adhesive (PSA) on sheets as thin as 0.10”.
Like SSP502-60V0, a 60-durometer product, SSP502-40V0 passes the vertical burn test for UL 94 V0, an industry-leading standard for flammability. SSP502-40V0 also meets the ASTM E595 low outgassing standard, a requirement for space and satellite applications.
Visit SSP’s website to download independent test results for ASTM595 outgassing, MIL-DTL-83528 EMI shielding, and UL 94 V0 flammability testing. SSP’s offset materials for GORE materials have been featured in Medical Design Briefs, Industrial Machinery Digest, and Rubber & Plastics News.
Aerospace Silicones and Fluorosilicones
When air travel soared again after the pandemic, aviation and aerospace manufacturers needed to increase production to win new business and support maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. Today, SSP continues to meet demand for specifications-grade silicones and fluorosilicones.
Aerospace customers like how SSP can provide a full certificate of analysis (COA), and not just a certificate of conformance (COC), with each batch of material. This lets them know that what they buy will comply with requirements from Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers like Boeing, GE Aviation, and Pratt and Whitney.
The aerospace silicones and fluorosilicones that SSP makes at its Ballston Spa, New York (USA) facility meet tough standards like AMS, AA 59588, and MIL-DTL-25988. Data sheets, certificates and test reports for these products are available on the SSP website. All products have clear histories of traceability.
Silicones That Work
As new technologies, sourcing challenges, and marketplace changes continue to disrupt global supply chains in 2023, SSP is ready to provide you with ready-to-fabricate materials and finished products like EMI/RFI conductive O-rings, flame retardant nickel-graphite filled silicones, and aerospace elastomers.
To request a quote, or for more information, contact SSP online or email Dominic Testo, SSP’s Business Development Manager.
